Rohrer stops by Carbon County in his quest for Senate seat

Thursday, March 8, 2012

GAIL MAHOLICK/TIMES NEWS Sam Rohrer campaigned in the area Wednesday.

By GAIL MAHOLICK gmaholick@tnonline.com

Former state Rep. Sam Rohrer of Berks County stopped by the Carbon Country Republican headquarters in Lehighton on Wednesday night before his scheduled town meeting at Penn's Peak to meet with the press.

Rohrer spoke about his decision to run for United States Senate.

Rohrer said he believes he is the best candidate to become a U.S. Senator because of his extensive history as a state representative. He has served as a state representative for 18 years, for nine full terms, a position he selected to give up in his quest to unseat Sen. Robert Casey.

He said that none of the other candidates have the necessary experience that he does.

"People must determine what form of government we want," said Rohrer.

Rohrer is opposed to Obamacare and federal mandates in Pennsylvania and the raising of the price of gasoline, and the regulations that are making it nearly impossible for small businesses to get loans to create new jobs. He feels this has to change.

Rohrer said that he is a statesman, not a politician. He believes that his 18 years in office has made him aware of issues that need to be champion in this race.

"I did not run for this office while in office," said Rohrer.

Rohrer opposed every Democrat and Republican tax increase during his 18 years in the state legislature and established a reputation as the legislature's budget reform leader.

"I have not flipped or flopped on any issue," he said. "That is what I see people want from their next senator. I hope to replace Bob Casey."

He said that in the six years Sen. Casey has been in office that he has not done anything that he has said he will do.

He cited that Sen. Casey is pro-life, but then voted for stem cell research. He said that Sen. Casey's vote for judges proves that he is not for the second amendment.

Rohrer said that he has never "sold" his vote on any issues, as other legislators have done.

"My voting record is steady," he said. "I vote my convictions and I stand behind my record as a legislator."

Rohrer said that becoming a U.S. senator is a high-profile position that carries a lot of weight not just in the state of Pennsylvania, but in the nation and possibly the world.

"There is no way a candidate should be cutting their teeth as a U.S. Senator," he said. "I have taken the time to prepare and train for this position."